The false premise of arguments against Tillerson

President-elect Donald Trump’s choice of Rex Tillerson thrust the oil executive into the long-standing U.S. foreign-policy divide separating those who value pragmatism and dealmaking from those who attach greater importance to principles, human rights and democracy.

Dealmaking does not exclude concerns for human rights and democracy. While I have not worked directly with Exxon I have seen it operate its business and it does so in a professional and ethical manner. I have worked on deals where Exxon affiliates were involved. They do first class work and create value for their customers. I found them to be reasonable to deal with when issues were explained to them.

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